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Steelers ink nose tackle to new contract

The Steelers have signed nose tackle Steve McLendon to a three-year deal.

McLendon, 27, is poised to be the Steelers' starting nose tackle this season in place of veteran Casey Hampton, who remains unsigned.

Financial terms of McClendon's new contract were not released by the team, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the deal's worth $7.25 million, with $1.675 million guaranteed and $5 million in the first two years.

The Steelers offered McLendon a restricted free agent tender of $1.3 million before the start of NFL free agency last month. He reportedly visited with the Green Bay Packers on Wednesday.

Had the Packers signed McLendon to an offer sheet by Friday's deadline, the Steelers would have been able to match the deal or receive no compensation

McLendon joined the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent in April 2009. He played in the team's 16 regular-season games last year, recording two sacks and forcing a fumble.

Diplomats and negotiators kept working Tuesday as a deadline approached to reach a deal on a framework agreement on Iran's nuclear program, but a U.S. State Department official said the discussion may continue after the cutoff.